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The Leper

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Set in nineteenth-century England, this is a touching story of how one small child exposed to leprosy changes the hearts and lives of a community.

Hardcover

First published February 5, 2011

3 people are currently reading
52 people want to read

About the author

Sigmund Brouwer

252 books407 followers
Sigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.

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5 stars
61 (62%)
4 stars
26 (26%)
3 stars
10 (10%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
126 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2009
For such a small book, it sure has a lot of depth. I couldn't wait to put it on our book club list last year, and it did not disappoint. There was a lively discussion.
6 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2018
I was very pleased with this book. When I walked into the library the day I checked it out, I was hoping to find a well-written work of Christian fiction that was intelligent and centered around the things of God and His work in people's lives, not any over-the-top dramatic or romantic content. This book definitely fulfilled those expectations in the best of ways. In fact, the only somewhat negative thing I could possibly say is that it was too short! It did feel a tiny bit rushed through at certain points, but overall made for a greatly encouraging light reader.
3 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2008
I LOVED this book. This book was not what I thought it would be, and did not turn out as my brain expected after reading the title. It's a wonderful inspiring story. I picked it up at the library one day, and thought, "Hummmm." A quick read to make our lives better - to encourage us to let love change our hearts and sustain us, by following the example of Jesus Christ and the love he shared with all.
Profile Image for Lime Juice.
1 review
April 19, 2014
I know I already added a comment but no one really sees those at least not that I know of but........This book was amazing.... I will just keep saying it.No spoilers here though the ending was absolutely beautiful. Inspiring and..........AMAZING..... No many how many times I read it the Story makes me sigh with love for the story, the inspiringness(I know that is not a word but), the thought provoking situations and I could go on but this book is definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Tracy.
1,960 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2016
This was a GREAT book -- a quick read without being too preachy or trite. I have been craving a book that doesn't disappoint, where characters do the right things for the right reasons ... this book fits the bill perfectly. I will probably reread sometime in the future as well.
8 reviews
March 5, 2012
Excellent...Couldn't put it down. A story of great love and the sacrifices it allows. Even more than that is the introspection it generates.
53 reviews
February 20, 2025
I'd been blinded by the Light: by Its burn, I'd been given eyes to see...

This story will entertain alone or heal those whose blind eyes would see. If one prefers the darkness, the story's power and purpose will be missed. Yet, if one would see the ravages of one's own pride/sin, transformation would be gifted to that disfigured and broken heart. "The Weeping Chamber" by Sigmund Brouwer moved me to seek out this story as well. If the miraculous were not possible, i would still believe because the death of hope makes for a dismal, lazy, self-worshipping existence. There is far too much self-service and too little true worship of the Living Savior... the pen of Mr. Brouwer flows golden.
Profile Image for Kira Cuevas.
327 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2025
This was a beautiful, simple read. It had heartwarming bits, introspective bits, frustrating bits. For what a simple book it is, it is sharing a very important and deep message. What does it truly mean to be Christian?

I am excited to share such an introspective book with my 10 YO son, not often is the subject matter light enough for young ages in this sort of book!
Profile Image for Joy Musselman.
183 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2021
Loved this story as a teen; love it still fifteen years later ... Challenging and compelling.
Profile Image for Jenny.
538 reviews
April 25, 2022
Fantastic story. Read it on the plane ride home. Beautiful story of redemption and love.
24 reviews
October 1, 2025
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. I am sure others will like this book too.
Profile Image for Melissa.
870 reviews91 followers
September 10, 2011
In this short novel inspired by Ron DiCianni’s painting of a leper and Jesus, Sigmund Brouwer paints a new and inspiring picture with his words.

In 19th Century England, Nathaniel returns from military service a leper—too ashamed of his hideous appearance to return to his wife and children, much less to possibly pass the disease to them. He hides in a pub and sends money to his wife . . . along with a letter saying he has fallen in love with another woman.

When Nathaniel finds a helpless, abandoned baby and decides to leave it at a church commune, the lives of many people are changed.

The story telling is stirring, gripping, and delightful, teaching the meaning of compassion and humility.

(Review written back when I read it--not sure of the year)
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,376 reviews28 followers
Want to read
March 20, 2016
Historical fiction. It sounds good. The audiobook is only 4 hours, narrated by Guy Bethell, who sounds like Richard Armitage (but isn't him — http://www.britvoiceguy.com/). This is a classic, set in 19th Century England. A soldier returns home from war with leprosy. He decides to hide away from his wife and child, for their own health. But when he comes upon a newborn baby, abandoned, he reluctantly and fearfully gets involved. A poignant and heartwarming story, set in a small English village. I believe it has a Christian message.
4 reviews
Read
December 12, 2007
This book made me feel very good about myself. It has a very strong meaning for people who are struggling in thier life. This story is helping me to understand true love.
161 reviews
July 28, 2011
Nederlandstalige titel: De verschoppeling



Goed boek, geen spanning, maar een traag opbouwend verhaal dat je enorm doet meeleven
20 reviews
January 5, 2023
The Best read

I cried throughout this book. My heart could not take another page, but my hands would not put it down. Sigmund Brouwer is an amazing author.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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